; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. | 

She/fH.H 

ye 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. $ 





OF 



Ijrist Cjinrrji, Irm-lriinsroirk, 



DIOCESE OF NEW-JERSEY. 



/ 

THE REV. ALF REDITU BBS, 

RECTOR OF THE PARISH, 



DANIEL DANA, Jr., 

No. 20 John-Street. 
1850. 




Pttdney & Russell, Printers. 



TO 



THE WARDENS AND VESTRYMEN 



€\)t\B\ Ctrnrrfr, 



THESE PAROCHIAL RECORDS 



ARE RESPECTFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED 



BY THEIR RECTOR AND FRIEND. 



By the Convention of the Diocese of New-Jersey, in the year 
1846, it was resolved, " That the Parochial Clergy of the Diocese 
prepare an historical account of their respective Parishes, from their 
origin up to the present time." 

In accordance with this resolution, which ought to have been com- 
plied with three years ago, the following narrative has been pre- 
pared. 

It occurred, however, to the writer, that its length would forbid its 
admission into the Journal of the Convention ; and that its materials, 
presented in another form, would prove of most advantage to the 
members of the Parish. 

He was confirmed in this view by the favorable opinion expressed 
by some gentlemen of the Vestry to whom the manuscript was read, 
who desired that it might be printed for the use of the congregation. 

Accordingly, at a meeting held in the church, on Monday in Easter 
week, the following Resolution, offered by Wm. H. Leupp, Esq., 
and seconded by John S. Blauvelt, Esq., was unanimously passed : 

" It being understood that the Rector has prepared an historical ac- 
count of the Parish, from the earliest records; therefore, Resolved, 
That he be respectfully requested to furnish a copy of the same for 
publication, at the expense of the Board." 

It is due to the Vestry to state, that they are in no sense respon- 
sible, either for the correctness of the statements, or for any express- 
ions of opinion that occur in the course of the narrative, or in the 
notes appended. 

Should the information imparted, in this general outline, of the 
past history of their venerable church, afford the least gratification to 
his Parishioners, the compiler will be richly repaid for his trouble. 

Christ Church Parsonage, 

Monday in Easter Week, 1 850. 



ft tt oxh . 



The proceedings of the Rector, Wardens, and Ves- 
trymen of Christ Church, New-Brunswick, previous 
to the year 1790, have not been preserved among the 
Records of the Parish. The only information that can 
now be obtained relative to its origin and early history, 
is derived from the proceedings of the venerable Society 
in England, for the Propagation of the Gospel in For- 
eign Parts. By this Society the Missionaries were sent 
out who ministered to the congregation until the period 
of the Independence of the American Colonies ; and 
from their Annual Reports the materials are chiefly col- 
lected which form the first portion of this narrative. 

The first reference that I have found to the existence 
of a congregation in New-Brunswick, is in the abstract 
of the Society's proceedings for the year 1742-3, where 
it is stated that "the people of Piscataqua and New- 
Brunswick are marking out a place for a new church, 
about two miles distant from the old one." This must 
refer to the church at Piscatawa}^, which had been built 
in 1722. 

Mr. Skinner, the minister at Amboy, describes it as 
" a handsome wooden Chappel ;" and says ? also, " that 



6 



the congregation grows daily, and, in all probability, will 
be as numerous as any in those parts."* 

The same Missionary reports in 1744, " that zeal for 
God's worship, among the inhabitants, had stirred them 
up to the building of a church" in New-Brunswick. 

In the 3'ear following, "the inhabitants of New-Bruns- 
wick petitioned the Society to send them a Missionary ; 
setting forth that they had erected a church, of stone, 
55 feet long, 45 wide, and 20 high ; which may be of 
great service, not only to themselves, but also to a well- 
settled country, extending many miles, in which many 
of the inhabitants profess themselves of the Church of 
England, and others, who were formerly dissenters, 
seem now well-affected towards it ; that the confidence 
they had in the most pious, and truly Christian Society, 
that they would make them happy in an able, discreet 
divine, to administer in that church, put them upon 
building it ; and they had obliged themselves, and were 
ready to give proper security, to raise <£40 that currency, 
per annum, towards his support ; and were persuaded 
that, by the good behavior of such a Missionary, they 
should so far add to their numbers, as considerably to 
increase that sum." 

The Society, well-pleased with the laudable zeal of 
these gentlemen, acquainted them, " that as soon as they 
shall have provided an house, with some acres of land 
round it, according to the standing rules of the Society, 
to the .£40, engaged for the support of a Missionary, — 
they will send one, to be a resident with them." And 
in the meantime, they commend them to the care of the 
neighboring Missionaries. 



* See Note L, page 25. 



7 



In the Society's Report for the year 1749-50, it is 
stated, " that the inhabitants of New-Brunswick having 
built a large and handsome church, raised c£300 towards 
the purchase of a house and glebe,* and obliged them- 
selves to pay £4:0 per annum to the support of a Missionary, 
earnestly pray to have Mr. Wood, a gentleman of very 
good life and conversation, bred to physic and surgery, 
admitted to Holy Orders," and sent to them in that 
capacity. 

We learn from the proceedings of the next year, that 
the Rev. Mr. Wood had been appointed Missionary to 
the churches of New-Brunswick and Elizabethtown, 
At the latter place, he was able to officiate only every 
fourth Sunday, where, in his absence, the services of the 
Church were performed by Mr. Chandler, who held the 
office of a Catechist. It is gratifying to find the name of 
this eminent man, in any way connected with the history 
of our Church ; though he only acted as an assistant to 
one of her Missionaries. 

Mr. Wood removed to Nova Scotia in 1752 or '53. 

The Society then " thought proper to fix on the Rev, 
Mr. Seabury, son of the Rev. Mr. Seabury, the Society's 
Missionary at Hempstead, on Long Island, to be their 
Missionary to New-Brunswick, out of regard to the 
request of the inhabitants, and to the united testimony 
of the Episcopal clergy of New-York in his favor, as 
a youth of good genius, unblemished morals, sound prin- 
ciples in religion, and one that had made as good pro- 
ficiency in literature while in America, as the present 
state of learning there would admit of. Mr. Seabury 
being of full age for Holy Orders, presented himself 
to the Society, from the University of Edinburgh, and 
opon examination, being found worthy, he was ordained 



* See Note II., page 25. 



8 



Deacon and Priest, and soon after set out for New- 
Brunswick, where the Society hopes he will follow the 
example of his worthy father, and prove a very diligent 
and useful Missionary in his station." 

" The Rev. Mr. Seabury, Jum, arrived happily there," 
says the Report, " on the 25th of May, 1754, and was 
received with a most hearty welcome from the inhabi- 
tants, who appeared very sensible of the Society's good- 
ness in sending a Missionary to them, and disposed to 
do everything in their power to show their acknowledg- 
ments. The church is a handsome stone building, 
which, when finished, will conveniently hold a large 
congregation, and this was proposed to be done in that 
ensuing summer ; it is generally well-filled, and as there 
was no dissenting Teacher at that time of any sort, he 
had the satisfaction of seeing several persons, of various 
denominations, come to church, and he hoped they 
would in time, through the grace of God, conform." 

In 1756, the Rev. Mr. Seabury was collated to the 
cure of the church in Jamaica, L. I.,- of which he was 
inducted Rector on the 13th of Jan., 1757. 

In October of the same year, he writes to the Soci- 
ety : " I have constantly attended at Brunswick every 
seventh Sunday, and shall continue to do so, except 
the severity of the winter should render it impracti- 
cable."* 

Under date of Jamaica, May 5th, 1761, in another 
letter, he says : " When it was proposed to me to remove 
from New-Brunswick, I was told it would prevent a good 
deal of uneasiness and confusion in the parish, [at Ja- 
maica,] both with regard to the Dissenters, and the pro- 
fessors of the Church of England themselves, who were 

* See Note III., page 25, 



9 



unanimous in their desire of having me for their Mission- 
ary ; and as a farther encouragement, it was represented 
to me that the people would do everything that could be 
reasonably expected, to render my situation every way 
commodious. These motives, together with a desire of 
being near a most valuable and affectionate father, pre- 
vailed on me to solicit a removal to Jamaica." 

The church of New-Brunswick, by their letters, dated 
Dec. 20th, 1757, return their thanks for the Society's 
goodness to them in appointing the Rev. Mr. MacKean 
to succeed their late worthy Missionary, Mr. Seabury ; 
and write farther, " that it is with great pleasure they see 
the Church of England, by the benevolence of the So- 
ciety, and the prudent choice they make of discreet 
men, raising its head in an infant country, where, at its 
first settlement, different sects, as well as Popery, had 
taken footing." And Mr. MacKeaa acquaints the Society, 
by his letter, dated Jan. 8th, 1758, " that he arrived at 
New-Brunswick on the 16th of Dec, and was kindly 
received by his congregation, and had officiated regu- 
larly to them from that time." 

In 1761, Mr. MacKean reports, that the congregation 
of the church had obtained a charter of incorporation. 
He remained in Brunswick until Feb., 1763, when he 
removed to Perth Amboy.* 

He informs the Society, on his removal, " that the 
Hon. Edward Antill, Esq., a man of most exemplary 
life, and singular piety, has undertaken to read prayers 
and a sermon every two Sundays at Brunswick, and 
every other two at Piscataqua, till the arrival of a Mis- 
sionary. 

The Society directed their thanks to be returned to 

* See Note IV., page 26. 



10 



Mr. Antill, and to James Parker, Esq., who performed 
similar services at Woodbridge, for their pious labors. 

A joint letter from the Clergy of New-Jersey, dated 
Dec. 5th, 1762, was received the year following, repre- 
senting that the small congregation of Piscataqua have, 
within a few years, been at the expense of building a 
new church, and they earnestly recommend them to the 
Society's favor. It was agreed to unite Piscataqua to 
the Mission of Brunswick ; which Mission being vacant 
by the removal of Mr. MacKean to Perth Amboy, the 
Rev. Mr. Leonard Cutting was appointed to succeed 
him. This gentleman had, for several years, been a 
public Tutor in the College of New- York ; and produced 
the most ample testimony to his character for learning, 
piety, and virtue, and firm attachment to the present 
government, in Church and State. 

Under date of Oct. 3d, 1764, Mr. Cutting gives a par- 
ticular account of the state of his churches : 

In New-Brunswick, he says, there are about 130 fami- 
lies ; most of them in but indifferent circumstances. In 
this town are three places of public worship : an English 
and a Dutch church, and a Presbyterian meeting ; the 
members of which live together in a friendly manner, 
without disputes and animosities on account of religion. 
His own congregation seems to be composed of serious, 
zealous, and devout members, and is likely to flourish 
greatly. His communicants at present are about 25. 
He catechises the children at Brunswick and Piscataqua 
every Sunday. The congregation at Brunswick have 
given a bond for =£40 a year, Jersey currency, and allow 
£20 currency for house-rent, till they are able to pur- 
chase a glebe. 

In his report of April 29, 1765, Mr. Cutting, "With 
pleasure observes, that in New-Brunswick the same 



11 



catholic spirit prevails, all denominations living together 
in a friendly manner, without disputes and animosities." 

In Piscataqua, he says, the church is well-filled, and 
the people appear serious and attentive. 

During the next year, this worthy Missionary removed 
to Hempstead, L. I. ; thence he writes, that the church 
at Brunswick appears to increase in numbers ; and there 
were thirty-four communicants. 

The Society now appointed the Rev. Abraham Beach 
to this Mission ; where he arrived safe in the end of 
Sept., 1767. He reports that he was kindly received, 
and found an agreement among all denominations. 

In his next letter, Mr. Beach informs them, "that his 
own churches are frequented by serious persons of all 
denominations ; and that he hath in his Mission a great 
number of negroes, to some of whom he reads at his 
own house every Sunday evening." 

In the proceedings of 1773, it is reported that the 
people of New-Brunswick have, by a subscription, re- 
paired the church, and very nearly erected the steeple. 

In 1774, " the Rev. Abraham Beach's Mission is in a 
good state. He endeavoreth, by a kind and candid 
treatment, to overcome the prejudices of the Dissenters ; 
and hath experienced the good effects of it in several 
instances." 

During the following year, Mr. Beach represents 
" how hurtful the American disputes are to the clergy, 
and assures the Society that he has endeavored to pro- 
mote moderation, peace, and good order ; and trusts to 
Providence for the success." 

If he can preserve nothing else, he hopes still to pre- 
serve " a conscience void of offence, towards God and 
man." 



12 



The last letter found among the proceedings of the 
Society relative to this church, was written by the Rev. 
Mr. Cooke, Missionary at Shrewsbury. It is dated at 
Brunswick, May 1st, 1777. 

This gentleman states that he was confined to the 
army, unable to reach his Mission, or to see his family. 
He reports, that for the last four months he had been at 
Brunswick, and had officiated occasionally in the church, 
the only one in the province, in which Divine service 
was then regularly performed. He adds, " that although 
Mr. Beach had, from his prudent and good conduct, 
been permitted to stay at home, he was not free from 
insults ; and being nearly two miles out of the British 
lines, was in a state of constant apprehension." 

In consequence of the war that now existed between 
the two countries, no further reports were made to the 
Parent Society. The Mission, of course, entirely ceased 
when the United States became independent of Great 
Britain. 

During all these troublous times, however, Mr. Beach 
remained firm at his post ; and continued to officiate in 
this church till 17S4, when, on the 7th of July, in that 
year, he removed to New-York, and became an Assist- 
ant Minister of Trinity Church, in that city. 

Bishop Croes has left on record, in the Parish Regis- 
ter, that the Rev. Mr. Rowland immediately succeeded 
Mr. Beach in the charge of this church, and' continued 
one year. He some time afterwards removed to Shel- 
bourne, in Nova Scotia. 

It appears, says the Bishop, that the church was va- 
cant of a regularly settled clergyman till some time in the 
y ear 1787, when the Rev. George Ogilvie, a Deacon, 
was engaged to officiate to the congregation. 



13 

Mr. Ogilvie resigned his charge in the year 1790, and 
removed to Norwalk, in Connecticut. 

After this period, the proceedings of the Rector, 
Church-wardens and Vestrymen, of the church, have 
been preserved on file, from which the following state- 
ments are chiefly derived. 

In 1791, the Rev. Henry Vandyke, on the recom- 
mendation of the Rev. Mr. Beach, was chosen Minister 
of the Parish. The Register does not state when his 
ministry terminated ; but there is still preserved on file, 
a letter from this gentleman to the Vestry, dated at Bur- 
lington, June 20th, 1794, from which it appears, that he 
must, some time previously, have removed from New- 
Brunswick.* 

The Parish seems to have continued vacant until May 
4th, 1799, when the Rev. John Henry Hobart was " in- 
vited to perform Divine service for the congregation for 
one year ;" and " the sum of $266 67, was allowed for 
such services." 

Mr. Hobart brought a letter of introduction from 
Bishop White to the Rev. Abrm. Beach, in which the 
Bishop speaks of him as " a young gentleman, who has 
lately entered into Orders in our Church, with the gene- 
ral expectation of all who know him, that he will be 
eminently useful in it.'' How fully these expectations 
were realized, need not here be said. 

Mr. Beach forwarded this letter, which is still among 
the Church Records, to the Vestry, recommending them, 
in consideration of "the young gentleman's character, 
as given by Bishop White, and the destitute condition of 
your church, to employ the Rev. Mr. Hobart." 

* See Note V., page 26. 



In a letter, dated at Philadelphia, April 10th, 1799, 
Mr. Hobart accepts the invitation of the Vestry ; though 
he says, "the salary allowed will not be adequate to 
defray my necessary expenses ; but I can make no ob- 
jection, because I acquiesced in it when first proposed." 
The reason assigned for his removal from the churches 
in the vicinity of Philadelphia was, that he could not 
look on them as a permanent residence, and that he 
wished for some time longer to pursue his studies at 
Princeton, where he enjoyed peculiar advantages of 
books, of retirement, and of society." 

After serving the Church here a little more than two 
months, Mr. Hobart, in a communication, dated July 
15th, 1799, says : " I have thought it my duty to state 
to the Vestrymen my desire that they would release me 
from my temporary engagement with them for the last 
six months, to enable me to accept a permanent settle- 
ment," offered at Hempstead, L. I. He expresses, how- 
ever, his " determination and wish to fulfil, to the best 
of his abilities, his engagements with the church here, 
unless regularly released therefrom." 

On the very day after this was written, he addressed an- 
other letter* to the Vestry, in which he says, with char- 
acteristic disinterestedness and magnanimity : "I think 
I shall not be satisfied, in existing circumstances, to re- 
ceive a release from my engagement with your church ; 
and I must, therefore, beg leave to withdraw my request 
for it. I shall accordingly answer the call of the church 
at Hempstead, by informing them that my immediate 
acceptance of it is incompatible with my engagements 
and duty to the church at Brunswick. I would not 
wish to be understood that my determination has arisen 
from any view to a permanent settlement at Brunswick, 



* See Note VL, page 27. 



15 



but from a desire to secure the ease of my own mind, 
and to prevent any cause of censure, by the complete 
discharge of my engagement with your church, and so 
fully have I made up my mind, that I would not receive 
a release from my engagement were it to be offered 
me." 

When this communication was laid before the Vestry, 
they appointed one of their number to express to Mr. 
Hob art, " the pleasure with which they received it ; and 
that, though they would, from views of advantage to 
him, have consented to part with him, yet consulting 
their own feelings, and the interests of the church, they 
should have afforded that consent with painful reluc- 
tance." 

In accordance with the resolution he had formed, Mr. 
Hobart did not leave the parish until the close of the 
year for which his services were engaged. 

"I take this opportunity," he writes to the Vestry, 
" of repeating, what I shall always express with pleasure, 
that the attentions and kindness I have uniformly re- 
ceived from the members of the church here, lay claim 
to my respectful and grateful remembrance." It ought 
to be added, that all his letters are written in the same 
respectful manner, indicating, throughout, the urbanity 
and the courtesy of the Christian gentleman. 

On Mr. Hobart's resignation, " Mr. Beasley was invi- 
ted to read prayers in the church until a Rector could be 
provided ;" and, in Nov., 1800, the Rev. Charles C. 
Cotton was engaged to take charge of the Parish until 
Easter Monday following. He continued his services 
for six months afterwards. 

At a meeting of the Wardens and Vestrymen, on the 
16th day of March, 1801, it was "Resolved, and agreed 



16 



unanimously, That the Rev. John Croes, of Swedesbo- 
rough, N. J., be invited to accept the permanent Rector- 
ship of this church, at a salary of $375 per annum."* 

The invitation given to Mr. Croes was made in con- 
junction with " the Trustees of Queen's College," who 
desired to secure his services as a Teacher. In this In- 
stitution, which attained under him a wide-spread and 
justly-earned reputation, as well as in a school for young 
ladies, which was one of the most celebrated in its time, 
he labored with great assiduity and success. As a scholar, 
and a disciplinarian, he was admirably fitted for such, a 
sphere of usefulness ; and many of the most respect- 
able and best educated citizens of the place, were 
trained and taught in the school of Mr. Croes. Influen- 
tial, however, as he was in this capacity, the work of 
the Teacher must have seriously interfered with that of 
the Pastor. The Parish could not but suffer, when the 
Rector was obliged to devote the greater part of his 
time and attention to scholastic pursuits. All this he 
frankly acknowledges, and laments, in his correspond- 
ence on the subject. By an express stipulation with the 
Vestry, the number of sermons he should preach was 
"limited to one a-day." " I did this," he says in one of 
his letters on the subject, " not because I thought it too 
much labor to deliver two ; but because I believed I 
could not prepare a -sufficient number, and perform the 
duties of the Academy also. The business of the 
Academy will so occupy my time, that preaching more 
frequently than once a-day would compel me to make 
greater exertions than my health would bear. Could 
the church afford support sufficient without the school, 
it would be my choice and delight to preach twice every 
Sunday." 



* See Note VII., page 27. 



17 



In Nov., 1801, Mr. Croes entered upon his duties as 
Rector of the Parish ; and in the faithful discharge bf 
these, he continued until his death, in 1832. During the 
long period of his Rectorship, but few events of note are 
recorded. In Feb., 1803, the spire of the church was 
struck by lightning, and wholly consumed. The build- 
ing itself was in imminent danger of being destroyed ; 
and the excitement produced by it throughout the town 
was so great, that to this day it is spoken of by the 
older inhabitants, as one of the great events of the pe- 
riod. " When the fire raged with the greatest violence," 
says Bishop Croes, in his account of this fearful scene, 
" and when the prospect of saving the building was 
almost nothing, a sudden squall of wind and snow com- 
menced, and blew the flakes, sparks, and burning tim- 
ber, in such profusion over the roof, and, indeed, over 
that part of the town, between it and the river, that not 
only all hope was lost of the church, but the greatest 
apprehensions were entertained for the town. The 
whole atmosphere seemed on fire. Houses, one hundred 
yards distant, were covered with sparks to such a de- 
gree, that the roofs appeared like a mass of fire ; and 
had it not been for the snow, that fell in great profusion, 
and the wet state of the houses, no human exertions 
could have saved the town." By the contributions of 
the congregation, the citizens of the place, and some 
friends in New-York and Savannah, (whose names are 
all recorded in the Parish Register,) the steeple was re- 
built in the course of a few months. In 1814, the whole 
interior of the church was remodelled. The pulpit was 
removed from the north side to the east end ; a new 
desk and chancel were made, and the pews arranged to 
face them.* The church was afterwards provided 
with " Venetian blinds for the east window ; furniture 



See Note VIII., page 27. 

2 



18 



for the Vestry-room ; a covering for the Communion- 
table, and the two Mahogany-chairs, by the generous 
donation of Mrs. Isaac Lawrence." 

The general esteem entertained for Mr. Croes, is 
shown by the fact, that in 1815 he was chosen, by the 
Convention of the Diocese, the Bishop of the same ;^ 
and on the 19th of Nov., of that year, he received con- 
secration from the hands of Bishops White, Hobart, and 
Kemp. He did not, however, resign his Rectorship on 
this occasion, though he gave up the school ; and devo- 
ted his time thenceforward to the care of his Diocese, 
and of his Parish. 

In Oct., 1830, " in consequence of severe and pro- 
tracted illness," the Bishop summoned his Vestry, and 
desired them to appoint, as his assistant, his son, the 
Rev. John Croes, offering to surrender to him the half 
of his own salary. The Vestry acceded to the proposal, 
and Mr. Croes entered immediately upon his duties. 

On the 27th of March, 1832,* "the Rector, induced 
by illness, and an anxious desire to divest himself of the 
care of the Rectorship, presented his resignation" of the 
same ; the Vestry, however, besought him to withdraw 
it, in the following appropriate resolutions, which did them 
as much honor, as it must have given their venerable Pas- 
tor pleasure : " Whereas, the Right Rev. John Croes has 
presented his resignation to this Board as Rector, and 
whereas, under any circumstances, the Vestry would 
deeply regret the dissolution of a connection which has 
existed in uninterrupted harmony between themselves 
and their esteemed Rector, and which, as they think, 



• See Note IX., page 27. 



19 



lias mainly contributed, with the blessing of Almighty 
God, to the preservation and prosperity of the Church 
during so long a period ; whilst they have witnessed, 
with deep anxiety, his severe and protracted illness, and 
would cheerfully contribute to the repose of his declin- 
ing years ; yet they cannot but think that the with- 
drawal, by the Rector, of his resignation tendered to 
them would subserve the interests of that Church 
which he has so long loved, and so faithfully served : 
therefore, Resolved, That the Right Rev. Rector be re- 
spectfully requested to withdraw his said resignation.' 5 
To this earnest request, " the Rector, in his reply, cheer- 
fully acceded." 

The good old man's days, however, were drawing to 
a close, and in July, of this same year, he was removed 
from all earthly cares, and entered into his rest. 

Agreeably to the wishes of the family, " the Vestry 
had his body interred" beneath the chancel, in the 
church ; they desired " to defray the funeral expenses ; 
and in further testimony of their respect for the memory 
of their late Rector, they resolved to take measures to 
erect a Marble Tablet, to record and perpetuate his 
great zeal for the Church generally, and especially for 
Christ Church, New-Brunswick, over which he presided 
for so many years as Rector."* A Tablet was accord- 
ingly placed in the east end of the church, with this 
appropriate inscription, composed by his son : 



See Note X;, page 28. 



20 



Beneath the Chancel are deposited the remains 
of the 

Right Reverend John Croes, D. D., first Bishop 
Of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this Diocese, 
Born in New-Jersey, he held the office and performed the duties of 
A Christian Minister, in his native 
State, 

For more than 42 years, the last 30 of which were devoted 
To the service of this Parish. 
On the 30th of July, 1832, he closed a useful life, 
And calmly slept in the Lord, in the 71st year of his age 
And the 17th of his Episcopate. 
This Tablet 
Is erected by his bereaved congregation, 
As a testimonial 
Of their gi'ateful recollection of the many private virtues 
Of their departed Pastor and Friend ; 
And of the high estimation in which they held 
His piety and talents, 
As a Minister of the Gospel of Peace ; 
And his consummate prudence, untiring activity, 
And constant vigilance, 
As a Spiritual Overseer of the Church. 

On the 22d of Aug., the Vestry was convened, and 
ehose for their Rector, the Rev. John Croes,* the 
late Assistant Minister. Mr. Croes held the Rectorship 
until Oct., 1839, when his resignation took effect, ac- 
cording to notice given to the Vestry in July prece- 
ding.! 

A Committee was appointed at their next meeting, 
" with power to confer with the Rev. John D. Ogilby y 
and to secure his services temporarily for the church, 
until permanent provision shall be made with reference 
to the Rectorship." 

* See Note XL, page 28. t See Note XII., page 28. 



21 



Mr. Ogilby was at that time residing in New-Bruns- 
wick, holding the Professorship of languages in Rutgers' 
College. He very kindly undertook the charge offered 
him, without any remuneration for " his acceptable ser- 
vices," until the 29th of October, 1839, when the pres- 
ent incumbent, the Rev. Alfred Stubbs, " was unani- 
mously elected" to the Rectorship. 

It would be hardly proper to conclude this brief 
sketch of the external history of the Parish, without 
stating that, during the last six years, the interior of the 
church has been greatly improved, by being painted in 
oak, and handsomely carpeted. A noble organ has 
been presented by Charles M. Leupp, Esq., of New- 
York, " as a memento of his affection to the Church in 
which his infancy was trained and nurtured ;" a legacy 
of $1,000 has been more recently bequeathed by the 
late Mrs. Jane Middagh Clarkson, of this city ; and a 
valuable property purchased for a Parsonage.* 

The pecuniary embarrassments under which the 
Church has labored for the last half century, have been 
entirely removed ; and never, probably, since the Parish 
was organized, has it been in so prosperous a condition - 
as it is at the present moment. 

During the last ten years, the members of the congre- 
gation, the number of Communicants, and the resources 
of the church, have been nearly doubled. And so long 
as "peace" remains "within her walls," the Lord will 
not fail to " send us prosperity." 

One more occurrence remains to be mentioned, and 
that not the least interesting ; for it had a most impor- 
tant bearing on the establishment of the American 
Church. " The first step," says Bishop White, in his 



* See Note XIII., page 23. 



22 



Memoirs, " towards the forming of a collective body of 
the Episcopal Church in the United States, was taken 
(through the medium of the Rev. Abraham Beach*) at 
a meeting of a few Clergymen of New-York, New- 
Jersey, and Pennsylvania, at Brunswick, in New- Jersey, 
on the 13th and 14th of May, 1784. The first day was 
chiefly taken up with discussing principles of ecclesias- 
tical union. The next morning, (in consequence of new 
information received,) it was agreed " that nothing should 
be urged further on the subject," at present. " But be- 
fore the Clergy parted, it was determined to procure a 
larger meeting on the fifth of the ensuing October, in 
New- York, to confer and agree on some general princi- 
ples of a union of the Episcopal Church, throughout the 
States." 

Here did the Lord cause that " noble vine," which 
He before had planted, "to take deep root; and it has 
filled the land. She has sent out her boughs unto the 
sea ; and her branches unto the river. The hills are 
covered with the shadow of it ; and the boughs thereof 
are like the goodly cedars." God forbid that it should 
ever wither and droop, in the place where it first was 
planted I 

It is a pleasing reflection, that the Parish has been 
blessed with the services of the most eminent men that 
have adorned the American Church. Mr. Wood, the 
first Missionary, having established the Church here, be- 
came afterwards distinguished for his labors among the 
Indian Tribes of Nova Scotia. Dr. Chandler says of 
" the worthy, the eminently useful, and amiable Mr. 
MacKean, probably a better man was never in the So- 
ciety's service." Mr. Cutting is described as " a person 
of piety and virtue ; and of much learning and elo- 



* See Note XIV., page 29. 



23 



quence." To the prudence and fidelity of Mr. Beach, the 
Records of the Society bear ample testimony ; almost 
twenty years of his useful life were passed in active 
duty here ; here it was, that the Apostolic Bishop Sea- 
bary commenced his Missionary labors ; here it was, 
that the zealous, lion-hearted Bishop Hobart ministered 
in the dawn of his illustrious career ; and here it was, 
that the faithful Bishop Croes spent the larger portion of 
his consistent and holy life. 

God grant that. His Church may be always " ordered 
and guided by Pastors" so " faithful and true." 

I 



24 



O Almighty God, who hast built Thy Church upon 
the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus 
Christ Himself being the chief corner-stone ; grant that 
by the operation of the Holy Ghost, all Christians may 
be so joined together in unity of spirit, and in the bond 
of peace, that they may be an Holy Temple, acceptable 
unto Thee. 

And especially, to this congregation give the abun- 
dance of Thy grace ; that with one heart they may de- 
sire the prosperity of Thy Holy Apostolic' Church, and 
with one mouth may profess the Faith once delivered to 
the saints. Defend them from the sins of heresy and 
schism ; "let not the foot of pride come nigh to hurt 
them, nor the hand of the ungodly to cast them down." 
And grant that the course of this world may be so 
peaceably ordered by Thy governance, that Thy Church 
may joyfully serve Thee in all godly quietness ; that so 
they may walk in the ways of truth and peace, and at 
last be numbered with Thy Saints in glory everlasting, 
through Thy merits, O blessed Jesus, thou gracious 
Bishop and Shepherd of our souls, who art with the 
Father, and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without 
end. Amen. 



Note© 



Note I. — Page 6. 

Missionaries of the Church seem to have officiated at Piscataqua, or Pis- 
cataway, as it is now commonly called, a3 early as 1701. It was then styled, 
" The Anabaptist Town,'' from " about twenty that agree in that persuasion, 
the rest of the people being of all, or, of no religion." Since 1722. no less 
than three churches have been built there ; one was destroyed by the vio- 
lent Tornado, which swept through this region on the 19th of June, 1835. 
The present edifice was soon afterwards erected, by the liberality of Joseph 
Foulke, Esq., of New-York. 

The church, unfortunately, has been for- many years deprived of the ser- 
vices of a Resident Minister ; the congregation, in consequence, is very far 
now from being very numerous or increasing. 

Note II. — Page 7. 

The land on which the church is built was given by Philip French, Esq., 
in 1745. The deed was for many years missing; but was accidentally dis- 
covered, in some old house in New-York, in 1845 : and kindly restored to 
the church. 

There is no evidence, that either house or glebe were ever purchased, 
although information had been given to the Society in England, that £300 
had been raised for that purpose. It is to be hoped that neither fraud nor 
deception were practiced in this instance. There is too often, however, a 
degree of dishonesty shown in the management of church funds, which 
men would not dare to practice in the ordinary business of life. They do 
not hesitate to contract engagements which they never mean to fulfil, and 
to appropriate to unhallowed uses that which has been solemnly devoted 
to God's service. Thus it is they " rob God," and often under the pretenc3 
of seeking His glory. 

Had the House and Glebe been purchased at this time, according to the 
solemn engagement of the members of the Parish, it would probably have 
been saved from the pecuniary embarrassments which have ever since re- 
tarded its growth and prosperity. 

Note III. — Page 8. 

This, and the following letter, are not among the published 'proceedings ; 
they were kindly furnished by his grand-son, the Rev. Br. Seabury, Rector 
of the Church of the Annunciation, New-York. 

On one of these missionary tours an incident occurred, which proved nearly 
fatal to the career of this celebrated man. While returning in a sail-boat from 
Brunswick to New- York, a sudden gust of wind arose, which threatened 
to upset the little bark. The danger was increased by the obstinacy of 
the steersman, who would not, or could not, govern the boat. Mr. Seabury 



26 



submitted in patience, as long as it could be done with safety ; at last, he 
seized the helm, thrust the man away from it, and guided the vessel to the 
shore. A crowd of anxious spectatoi-s were gathered ou the beach, who felt 
so indignant at the conduct of the helmsman, in exposing the life of the 
faithful Missionary, that they laid hauds on him as soon as he reached the 
laud, and inflicted the punishment he so richly deseiwed. 

Mr. Seabury was thus providentially saved " from perishing by water," to 
become, long afterwards, the governor of the ark of Christ's church, which 
has been more than once preserved by his firmness and skill from the winds 
and storms that threatened her destruction. 

To him, more than to any other man, save good Bishop White, we owe 
it, that she now lies moored in safety in the haven of peace. 

Note IV.— Page 9. 

Copies of this Charter still remain — the original was lost during the 

Revolution. 

The Rev. Mr. MacKean died at Amboy, on the 17th of Oct., 17G6. On 
the tomb-stone, erected there to his memory, he is described as " An un- 
shaken friend, and in every relation of life a truly benevolent and honest 
man." 

The Hon. Edward Antill departed this life on the 15th of August, 1770, 
in the 71st year of his age. His body was interred near the south-east corner 
of the church, where his grave-stone still remains. 

It is to be lamented that so little is known of the history of this zealous 
and devoted churchman. His papers, which were in possession of a 
nephew, were nearly all destroyed in the great fire of 1835, in New-York. 
He left three sons — Edward, John, and Lewis — the first of whom became 
a Colonel in the American army, and served iu the war. On one occasion 
he was taken prisoner, and confined on board the English fleet. Happily 
for him, John, who joined the British ranks, was sent to examine the prison- 
ers ; and the first person on whom he cast his eyes, was his own brother. 
He succeeded in procuring his release. Lewis, also, retained his loyalty, 
and fell in the battle of Brandy wine. John survived many years, and died, 
it is supposed, in Orange county, New-York. 

There is a large and handsome Marble Font in the church, on which is in- 
scribed, 11 The gift of John Antill, Esq. ; as a token of his affection to his 
native place." The tradition in the family, however, was. that this Font 
was presented by his father, the Hon. Edward Antill, as a votive offering, 
in consequence of deliverance from imminent danger. The substance of 
this note has been communicated by Mrs. Frances Tappau, his only surviving 
grand-child. 

Note V.— Page 13. 

In this letter Mr. Vandyke complains that his salary had not been paid 
him; that he was consequently "threatened by suits at law T ;" and he im- 
plores the Vestry to save him and themselves from this " reproach and 
shame " by paying the balance due him. This is copied as an illustration 
how vain are all efforts to raise money for religious objects, which are not 
based upou Christian principles. 

At this time the lottery system was sanctioned by the State, and, unfortu- 
nately, it was also introduced into the Church. Some of the old tickets are 
still preserved. But, as in every such case, much harm was done, and very 
little good. 

The church was defrauded of the money collected by some of the agents ; 
quarrels ensued, law suits were threatened, and at last the clergyman's just 
dues were left unpaid. This ought to be recorded as a warning against all 
such methods of obtaining money. The only true plan, and the only one 



27 



that will prove finally successful, is the one enjoined in the Gospel : " Let 
every one lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him." " Every man, 
according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give ; not grudgingly, or 
of necessity ; for God loveth a cheerful giver." 

Whatever is given, should be given upon Christian motives, with a sincere 
desire of doing good, and in the name of Christ; otherwise the deed will 
be " unblessed." It certainly will not benefit " him that gives," and seldom 
does it benefit " him that takes." 

Note VI.— Page 14. 

This letter was directed to Robert Boggs, Esq., the Clerk of the Board. 
Mr. Boggs' name first occurs on the Parish Records in 1793 ; and he con- 
tinued an active and influential member of the Vestry until his death, on the 
12th of January, 1831. 

A letter from Mr. Hobart, dated at Elizabethtowii, July 3d, 1800, evinces 
the high regard which he entertained for this estimable man, whose gene- 
rous hospitality he frequently enjoyed. " I certainly intended," he says, 
" to have passed a night at Brunswick ; and a principal inducement was the 
hope of seeing you. I have no doubt of the sincerity of your good wishes, 
which are so grateful to me. I look forward to the pleasure of often see- 
ing you, and through life to the cultivation of your regard and friendship. 
My intercourse with you has been marked by acts of attention and friend- 
ship on your part, which are not less pleasing in the remembrance, than 
they were acceptable at the time. Whatever may be the changes and trials 
of our state here, (for who can expect unalloyed enjoyment,) let me hope 
that we shall meet where our happiness shall be perfect, and eternal." 
Exactly four months intervened between the departure of the two friends 
from this world of ; ' changes and chances;" and " let us hope," that they 
have met, " where their happiness will be perfect and eternaL" 

Note VII.— Page 16. 

The amount of Mr. Croes' salary was proportioned to the time he agreed 
to devote to the church. It was afterwards increased, though it never ex- 
ceeded five hundred dollars. Happily, however, he was never entirely de- 
pendent upon the income derived from his Parish. The schools he taught 
yielded him besides a handsome revenue. Though he practiced the closest 
economy, yet he was also charitable, and never allowed a poor man to go 
from his door without assistance. 

Note VIII.— Page 17. 

Some years before, in 1810, the two frame buildings were erected which 
now remain in the church-yard. Another was put up in 1825. The money 
had to be borrowed to erect these buildings ; the Vestry pledging them- 
selves to apply the rent towards re-payment of principal and interest. This 
condition, however, was not strictly observed, and hence the debt a few 
years ago exceeded $500. It is now less than one hundred, and will be en- 
tirely removed in the course of the year. 

Will not the congregation feel so much pride in their church, and so much 
reverence for the memory of departed friends, as to provide means, that this 
foul blot may not desecrate another year the hallowed place where their 
dead repose ! 

Note IX.— Page 18. 

On the 30th of May, of this year, the Convention of the Diocese met in 
Morristown. The Bishop was too infirm to be present. His address was 
read by the Secretary ; from which the following extract is taken. It seems 



28 



necessary to introduce it here, as an illustration of the condition of the 
Parish and the Diocese at that time ; otherwise I would fain have kept back 
a document, which cannot but excite in every generous mind feelings of 
shame and sorrow : 

" Taking into consideration," says the Bishop, " the probable injury the 
Diocese may suffer from the want of an efficient Episcopal Head, I am 
strongly induced to recommend to you to take measures to elect some suit- 
able Presbyter of the Church as an Assistant Bishop, to perform those duties 
which I shall, in all probability, not be able to discharge. I am well aware 
of the obstacles that present themselves to this measure, especially that of 
the want of sufficient funds ; as during the short time I may be permitted to 
live, the withdrawal of, or even diminishing the small stipend, which has- 
been statedly contributed by the Church in the Diocese, in aid of my sup- 
port, would reduce my means of living much below what would be neces- 
sary for that purpose ; especially, as I have already voluntarily relinquished 
$300 a year of the salary I received as Rector of Christ Church, in New 
Brunswick, (when the whole salary which I previously received was but 
$500,) rather than suffer that church to be shut up, and the congregation 
deprived of the services of the sanctuary. But, as in all probability the 
obstacles I speak of will be of short duration, less than a year perhaps, it is 
to b<3 hoped, that some means may be devised to obviate it, in the interim. 
At any rate, I am assured, my brethren, that your sense of equity and pro- 
priety will not permit you to adopt any measure which may lessen my 
means of support or comfort, during the short period I yet may live." 

Note X.— Page 19. 

Bishop Croes, though not famed for popular eloquence, possessed many 
eminent qualifications for his high and holy office. He was the laborious 
parish Priest, the sincere Friend, the judicious Counsellor, the watchful 
Pastor, the instructive Preacher, the thoughtful Writer, the sound, well- 
read Divine. He had the happy faculty of " speaking the truth in love," 
and he seems to have gained the esteem and affection of all who came within 
the sphere of his influence. To this day, he is generally spoken of through- 
out the town by the name of " the good Bishop." 

Note XI.— Page 20. 

This excellent man finished, in August last, his earthly course, at the age 
of 62 ; and has left a large circle of relatives and friends to lament their 
loss. His old parishioners were deeply attached to him ; especially those 
who had known him from his youth, not a few of whom are now gathered 
with him, in the Paradise of God. 

The widow of Bishop Croes died in New-Brunswick, on Ash- Wednesday, 
1845, at an advanced age. But one son and one daughter now remain of 
this well ordered, united, and happy family. 

Note XII. Page 20. 

In 1838, a legacy of $100 was bequeathed the Church by Miss Sarah 
Duyckiuck. More than one of this name and family have been benefactors 
of the Parish. 

Note XIII.— Page 21. 

A lot of ground had been given, some years before, by Mr. Edward Boggs 
and Mrs. John Blauvelt, on which to erect a Parsonage ; but the site not 
being preferred by the Vestry, it was sold by consent of the Donors, and 
the proceeds appropriated in part payment of the new purchase. 

The sum of four hundred dollars, contributed in times past towards raising 



29 



a Fund for the support of the Rector, was appropriated in the same way. 
The larger portion of the purchase money was subscribed by the congrega- 
tion and a few friends abroad. There was still, however, a debt left, 
amounting to something over one hundred dollars ; which was canceled last 
year, through the industry and zeal of the ladies of the congregation. 

A large lot, adjoining the church-yard, will, at some future time, revert to 
the church. It was the bequest of Mrs. Mary Leupp, who died Sept. 8th, 
1846, in the 86th year of her age. 

" So like Charity she lived on earth, that, doubtless, 
Like Charity, she remaineth ever more in Heaven." 

Such is the beautiful tribute paid to her memory, by one who could ap* 
preciate the worth of this most faithful follower of Him, who was " meek 
and lowly in heart." 

Note XIV.— Page 22. 

The name of the Rev. Abraham Beach, frequently occurs in the foregoing 
narrative. A Tablet has been erected to his memory in the church, with 
the following epitaph, from the pen of the late James A. Hillhouse, Esq. : 

In the adjoining church-yard 
lie interred the remains of 
Abraham Beach, D. D., 
Who was ordained in London, 'in 1767, to officiate 
in this church, where he faithfully performed 
his duty for 17 years. After devoting 25 years 

more to his Sacred profession in the City of 
New-York, he returned to close his days amidst the 
scenes of his youthful exertions. Having completed 
his 88lh year, he departed on the 14th of 
September, 1828, in the humble but assured hope 
of entering into the enjoyment of those promises, 

of which he was so long the Herald. 
He was born in Cheshire, Conn., Sept. 9th, 1740. 

On the same Tablet are inscribed the names of Ann Van Wickle, the wife 
of Dr. Beach, who died in New- York, Jan. 22d, 1808 ; and of their daugh- 
ters, Ann Chandler Beach, wife of the Rev. T. Lyell, who died Dec. 23d, 
1821 ; aud Maria Beach, who, with her husband, the Rev. A Carter, fell a 
victim to the Yellow Fever, in Savannah, Geo., 1827. Another daughter, 
the venerable Mrs. Rattoone, on the 12th of October, 1848, was^ re-united 
to this happy family circle, " in the blest kingdoms meek of joy and love." 
Long will the memory of this excellent lady be cherished by those who 
have enjoyed her friendship, and partaken of her hospitality. 

" She was a woman of a steady mind, 
Tender and deep in her excess of love ; 

" By some especial care 
Her temper had been framed, as if to make 
A being — who, by adding love to peace, 
Might live on earth a life of happiness." 



30 



Missionaries at Neva-Brunswick. 

1750. The Rev. Mr. Wood. 
1754. The Rev. Sam'l Seabury. 
1760. The Rev. Mr. MacKean. 
1764. The Rev. Mr. Cutting. 
1767. The Rev. Abrn. Beach. 

Ministers after the Revolution. 
1784. The Rev. Mr. Rowland. 
1787. The Rev. Mr. Ogilvie. 
179 I. The Rev. Mr. Van Dyke. 

1799. The Rev. John Henry Hobart. 

1800. The Rev. Mr. Cotton. 
180 L The Rev. John Croes. 
1832. The Rev. John Croes, Jr. 
1839. The Rev. Alfred Stubbs. 



Wardens of the Church, 1790—1850. 
Dr. Charles A. Howard. 
Jonathan Deare. 
John Dennis. 
John Parker. 
Robert Morris. 
Matthew Egerton. 
Wiliet Warne. 
George Farmer. 
Stephen Kemble. 
Robert Boggs. 
Isaac Lawrence. 
Daniel Kemper. 
Wm. Leupp. 
Dr. Edward Carroll. 
Charles Dunham. 
Franklin Smith. 
Samuel V. Hoffman. 



Of the Ministers of the Parish, the present incumbent is the only one 
living; and of the Wardens, all have been removed from the service 
of the Church militant, with the exception of the last three on the 
list. Three, not the least worthy of the faithful band, have been taken from 
us since the present Rector entered upon his pastoral care. ISever can he 
forget the generous hospitality, nor the meek and gentle manners, of good 
Dr. Carroll ; nor the sterling integrity and unfeigned humility of worthy 
Mr. Lenpp ; nor the fervent devotion of the venerable Col. Kemper. 
" These all died in faith;" and now "rest from their labors." Sweet is 
then' remembrance upon earth ; and great will be their reward in Heaven. 



THE MEMBERS OF THE PRESENT CORPORATION. 

Sector. 

THE REV. ALFRED STUBBS. 

Samuel V. Hoffman. 
Franklin Smith. 

Robert A drain. 
John S. Blauvelt. 
Henry Blumer. 
Isaac R. Cornell. 
Charles Dunham. 
George Follett. 
Robert J. Livingston. 
William H. Leupp. 
Thomas L. Wells. 



31 



Given A. D. 1761 ; in the second year of the Reign of King George 
the Third. 

The minister and members of the Parish are incorporated 44 by the 
name and style of the Rector, Church- wardens and Vestrymen of 
Christ Church, in the City of New-Brunswick." They are empow- 
ered to accept, hold and enjoy any messuages, buildings, lands, tene- 
ments and hereditaments, corporeal or incorporeal, given, granted, or 
bequeathed, &c, for the sake of the said church or parsonage, and to 
bring suits in all courts, and elsewhere, for the recovery and obtain- 
ing of the same, by any lawful means whatsoever ; also, to hire, let, 
sell, or dispose of the same, at their will and pleasure ; provided- al- 
ways, that nothing in these presents is meant, or intended to author- 
ize and empower all, or any of them, at any time hereafter, to bargain, 
sell, dispose, change, or alter any lands, tenements, goods, or chattels, 
given or granted to the said body politic or corporate, that was given, 
or granted unto them, from the use, end and purpose, for which the 
donation was made, given, or granted, contrary to the true intent and 
meaning of the donor, or donors. 

44 For the better ordaining and managing the affairs and business of 
the said Corporation, there shall be one Rector, or Parochial Minis- 
ter, of the. Church of England, as by law established, duly ordained for 
the cure of souls, two church-wardens, and eight or more vestrymen, 
not exceeding the number of twelve, from time to time constituted, 
elected and chosen, in maner and form, as is hereafter, in these 
presents expressed, which vestrymen, or the major part of them, and 
the two church-wardens, or one of them, together with the Rector, 
for the time being, when rightly elected, and duly qualified, may, 
from time to time, and at all times hereafter, apply themselves to take 
care for the best obtaining, receiving, disposing, governing and order- 
ing the general business and affairs of and concerning the said church, 
and all such lands, tenements and hereditaments, real and personal es- 
tate, which shall or may be hereafter acquired." 

44 The Rector of the church for the time being, shall and may, 
from time to time, upon all occasions, assemble and call together, in a 
public manner, the said church-wardens and vestrymen, for the time 
being, and with them, or the major part of them, at least, and not 
otherwise, consult, advise, do and perform, the business and affairs of 
the said church, and of and concerning the premises aforesaid, and to 
hold vestries for that purpose ; and, in case of death, absence, or re- 



32 

fusai of the Rector, for the time being, then, and in either of such 
cases, during such vacancy, absence, or refusal, the church-wardens, 
for the time being, or one of them, may call and hold such vestry, in 
manner aforesaid, and do and perform, in the absence, vacancy, or 
neglect of the Rector, and not otherwise, every matter and thing re- 
lating to the premises, as if done by and with the order, consent and 
approbation of the Rector of the said church." 

44 The choice, as well of the vestrymen, as of the church -ward ens 
for the said church shall be annual; and that yearly, once in the >ear 
forever, (that is to say,) on Monday in Easter week, in every year, at 
the said church, in manner following, to wit : That the Rector, for the 
time being, shall appoint one of the congregation of the said chureh, 
to be one of the ghurch-wardens ; and the congregation of the said 
church, or the major part of them, then present, shall choose, elect and 
appoint one other of the congregation of the said church to be the 
other church-warden, and the said congregation, or the major part of 
them so met, as aforesaid, shall elect or choose eight or more persons, 
not exceeding twelve of the congregation aforesaid, to be the vestry- 
men for the ensuing year ; which church-wardens and vestrymen, so 
chosen and hereafter to be chosen, shall immediately enter upon their 
respective offices, from the respective times they shall be chosen, until 
other fit persons be respectively elected in their steads and places." 

" And if it shall happen, that any or either of these, the said church- 
wardens or vestrymen, so to be annually elected, shall die, or be re- 
moved, or deny, refuse, or neglect to officiate in the said respective 
offices of church-wardens and vestrymen, before either of their time 
for serving in them be expired, then, and in every such case, it shall 
and may be lawful to, and for the Rector, for the time being, or 
for the congregation of the said church for the time being, or the 
major part of them, to proceed, in manner aforesaid, and make a 
new election of one or more of their congregation in the place or stead 
of such officer or officers so dying, removing, denying, refusing, or neg- 
lecting to officiate in his or their respective offices aforesaid, and so, 
as often as the case shall happen or require." 

44 It shall and may be lawful, to and for the present, or any other 
succeeding Rector of the said church, by and with the advice and 
consent of the church-wardens for the time being, or one of them, and 
with the advice and consent of the vestrymen for the time being, or 
the major part of them, in vestry met and assembled, to nominate and 
appoint a clerk, sexton, or bell-ringer, to and for the said church; also, a 
clerk and messenger to serve the said vestry at their meetings, and 
such other under-officers, as they shall stand in need of, to remain in 
their respective offices, so long as the said Rector, church-wardens and 
vestrymen, for the time being, or the major part of them, shall think 
fit.' 5 



* 



